The Department of Mathematical Sciences

Transcription

1 The Department of Mathematical Sciences Handbook for Graduate Studies in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cincinnati Revised August

2 Table of Contents Area Page Section 1 The Graduate Program 4 1. The Graduate School 2. The Department of Mathematical Sciences 3. Graduate Degrees Offered Section 2 Admission to the Graduate Program 6 1. Admission 1. Requirements 2. Types 3. International Students Admission 2. After Admission 3. Transfer of Credits Section 3 Registration, Leaves, Graduate Credits, Grades, Review Registration 2. Leaves 3. Graduate Credits 4. Grades 5. Student Review Section 4 Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid 2. Conditions of Financial Aid 3. English Proficiency Testing Section 5 Master of Science (MS) in Mathematical Sciences Description 2. Requirements 3. Candidacy, etc. 4. Minimum Academic Performance Section 6 Master of Science (MS) in Statistics Description 2. Requirements 3. Candidacy, etc. 4. Minimum Academic Performance 2

3 Section 7 Master of Arts (MAT) in Teaching of Mathematics Description 2. Requirements 3. Candidacy, etc. 4. Minimum Academic Performance Section 8 Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mathematical Sciences Description 2. Requirements 3. Candidacy, etc. 4. Minimum Academic Performance Section 8a Doctorate (PhD) in Mathematical Sciences with a Statistics Concentration Description 2. Requirements 3. Candidacy, etc. 4. Minimum Academic Performance Section 9 Special Rules Right to Review Records 2. Nondiscrimination Policy 3. Grievance Procedures 4. Misconduct 5. Probation and Dismissal 6. Implementation of Provisions of this Handbook 3

4 Section 1 - The Graduate Program 1.1 Division of Research and Advanced Studies The Graduate School promotes research and graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati. It is headed by the Senior Vice President and University Dean of The Graduate School (The University Dean.) Rules and policies of The Graduate School cover educational policies and requirements, admission of students, candidacy, and awarding of degrees. These rules are formulated by the Graduate Council and approved by the All-University Graduate Faculty. Each department sets rules on courses of study, examinations, and requirements and makes decisions on the admission, evaluation, and graduation of individual graduate students. The University Dean coordinates, implements, and administers all regulations pertaining to graduate degree programs, including those of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The University Graduate Handbook contains the rules and regulations of The Graduate School and can be accessed on line at: The Graduate Handbook of the Department of Mathematical Sciences (the "Department Graduate Handbook") contains the graduate rules and regulations of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and is in compliance with the rules and regulations of Advanced Studies. Copies of the handbook are available in the Departmental office, or online at: Further relevant information, such as Student Code of Conduct and Student Grievance Procedures can also be accessed through the University Graduate Handbook listed above. 1.2 The Department of Mathematical Sciences The administrative organization of the graduate program of the Department of Mathematical Sciences consists of the following seven units: The Graduate Program Director (GPD) The Graduate Program Director (GPD) is appointed by the Department Head. The GPD sets guidelines for graduate students and, with the Graduate Advisors Committee (see below) and the dissertation advisors, monitors the students progress by evaluating their program of courses as well as their success in passing the required examinations. In case of substandard academic performance, the GPD can place a student on probation. The GPD, together with the Assistant Department Head, monitors the performance of Graduate Assistants duties. The GPD chairs the Graduate Advisors Committee, the GSEC, and serves ex-officio in the Graduate Affairs Committee (see below). The GPD works with the Graduate Secretary in administering the graduate budget, processing appointments, keeping records, and directing necessary correspondence. The GPD updates graduate brochures and other information materials; and together with the Graduate Affairs Committee (see below) revises the Department Graduate Handbook when rules and policies change. The GPD coordinates the Department's recruiting of graduate students and in conjunction with the GSEC (see below) makes admission and financial aid decisions. The GPD oversees arrangements for the MS oral examination in collaboration with the Graduate Secretary. The GPD is responsible for gathering assessment data on the effectiveness of the graduate program. The GPD coordinates the orientation of new students and new teaching assistants prior to the beginning of classes in the Fall. The GPD represents the Department in the A&S Graduate Council and keeps the necessary contacts with other offices and organizations involved with graduate studies. In particular, the GPD submits information concerning UC s graduate program to the Notices of the American Mathematical Society and to other reference sources. 4

5 1.2.2 Graduate Students Evaluation Committee (GSEC) The Graduate Students Evaluation Committee (GSEC) consists of the GPD (chair) and two other faculty members elected by the Department. The GSEC selects applicants for admission to the MS & PhD programs throughout the year and makes decisions on awarding financial aid to new and current students. The GSEC selects new students to nominate for fellowships and grants Graduate Affairs Committee The Graduate Affairs Committee is appointed by the Department Head. It consists of a Chair, the GPD, and other faculty members. The Graduate Affairs Committee makes recommendations to the Department's faculty concerning new graduate courses in the MS & PhD programs and changes in requirements for the MS and Ph.D. degrees. The faculty votes on the Committee's recommendations at a meeting or by mail ballot. The Committee makes periodic reviews of the graduate curriculum and of the Department Graduate Handbook. The Committee decides on dismissal, termination, or reduction of financial aid of graduate students. The Committee hears students' petitions and grievances. The committee also selects the recipients of the departmental Outstanding Graduate Assistant, the Outstanding Doctoral Student and the Outstanding Master of Science awards MAT Committee MAT Committee is appointed by the Department Head and consists of a Chair, the GPD, and faculty members. The MAT Committee monitors the MAT program, reviews and revises course syllabi, maintains contact with graduates, advertises the program, and recruits students. The MAT Committee changes the courses and requirements for the MAT degree, reviews the curriculum, and records changes to the MAT program in the department handbook. The MAT Committee selects applicants for admission to the MAT program and makes decision on the financial aid to new and continuing students. It also decides on dismissal, termination, or reduction of financial aid of graduate students as well as hearing students petitions and grievances Executive Committee The Executive Committee is partly elected by the Department's faculty and partly appointed by the Department Head. The Executive Committee is the departmental body to which graduate students can appeal against decisions by the GPD, the GSEC, or the Graduate Affairs Committee Graduate Advisors Committee The Graduate Advisors Committee is chaired by the GPD and consists of faculty members appointed by the Department Head. Upon entering the graduate program, each student is assigned a graduate advisor who generally belongs to the Graduate Advisors Committee. Students can ask the GPD to change their advisor at any time. Students must consult with their advisor at least one time per quarter, prior to registration, to obtain approval of their schedule of courses. Each course change, add or drop, should be authorized by the graduate advisor. The advisors monitor and report their advisees' progress to the GPD. At the beginning of Spring Quarter, the Graduate Advisors Committee reviews each graduate student who has not yet chosen a dissertation advisor. The Graduate Advisors Committee evaluates, and when necessary, ranks current students who are applicants/nominees for fellowships and grants Assistant Department Head The Assistant Department Head assigns duties to graduate assistants after consulting with the GPD on their academic performance and their ability to perform their duties. The Assistant Department Head consults with the GPD if problems arise in the performance of a GA's duties. 5

6 1.2.8 Graduate Secretary The Graduate Secretary sends information packages and applications to prospective students, receives and processes their applications, and keeps necessary contacts with the applicants. After admission, the Graduate Secretary processes awards, enrollment, and payroll forms. The Graduate Secretary organizes the scheduling of office hours for GA's. The Graduate Secretary is responsible for filing students' grade reports, teaching evaluations, and annual reviews, for recording progress in the degree program in the student's permanent file, and for processing degree awards. The Graduate Secretary also schedules MS and MAT oral examinations and schedules Ph.D. preliminary examinations. 1.3 Graduate Degrees Offered The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the following degrees: Master of Science (MS) The MS degree prepares students for employment in industry, business, government, and for entering the Ph.D. program. It typically requires two academic years, although it can and has been earned in one year (see Section 5) Master of Science in Statistics (MS) The MS in Statistics degree prepares students for entry level employment as statisticians in industry or government, as well as to prepare students for entry into Ph.D. programs in Statistics. It typically requires two academic years, although it can and has been earned in one year (see Section 6) Master of Arts in Teaching of Mathematics (MAT) The MAT is a three summer long program for certified secondary school teachers (see Section 7) Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. The Ph.D. degree represents the achievement of a general knowledge of the various branches of mathematics, the ability to communicate mathematics in both written and oral form, and a demonstrated creative ability in a particular branch of mathematics. It requires about 5 to 6 years of full-time work after the Bachelor's degree (see Section 9). Section 2 - Admission to the Graduate Program 2.1 Admission Admission Requirements For admission to full graduate standing, a prospective student should have completed the equivalent of an undergraduate major in mathematics or statistics. Applicants should have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in mathematics. In some cases, a student with a BA, BS, or MS in some other field or with a lower GPA will be provisionally admitted. However, every prospective student should have mastered multivariable calculus and linear algebra prior to entering the graduate program. In such cases, the GPD will inform the student prior to admission of what progress is expected. The MAT program is designed for secondary school teachers, therefore secondary school certification in mathematics is required of MAT degree candidates. The program is not intended for individuals who want teacher certification in mathematics. Students are admitted to one specific degree program: MS, MS in Stats, MAT, or Ph.D. Admission to the MS program does not automatically grant the student admission to the Ph.D. program. Students who wish to change their degree program must have the approval of the GPD Types of Admission Full graduate standing In order to maintain full graduate standing (i.e., full time status), students have to register for a minimum of 12 graduate credits per quarter (Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters). Only students with full graduate standing are eligible for financial aid. 6

7 Part-time admission Part time students are those who are registered for fewer than 12 graduate credits per quarter. They are not eligible for financial aid. Students who have met the minimum course requirements of their degree or have entered candidacy must register for 1 graduate credit in the Fall Quarter in order to be considered a graduate student for the entire academic year. Students with an F-1 visa need to register for 1 graduate credit each quarter Joint admission The Department of Mathematical Sciences does not have formal joint degree programs with other departments. Under special circumstances and with the approval of the GPD, a student admitted to the Department of Mathematical Sciences may also work toward a graduate degree in a different department. Students admitted to the Department must have the approval of the GPD to take graduate courses from other departments for credit toward a graduate degree in mathematics. Certain courses offered by the Department of Computer Science (Section 5.2.2) can be counted towards a graduate degree in mathematics without previous approval of the GPD Provisional admission Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who lack undergraduate work considered essential for graduate studies in mathematics. Graduates of nonaccredited institutions and graduates from accredited institutions whose scholastic records are below the standards for admission may be admitted, provided there is reason to believe their previous performance does not reflect their true ability. Course work, without graduate credit, will be required of provisionally admitted students to make up deficiencies before admission to full graduate standing can be granted. International students may not be admitted with provisional status. Provisionally admitted students are not eligible for financial aid Unclassified graduate admission Unclassified graduate students are admitted to graduate studies but not admitted to a graduate degree program. Generally, only 15 graduate credits taken under this classification can be accepted toward a later degree program and GPD approval is necessary. The only requirement for admission as an unclassified student is evidence of a Bachelor's degree. Unclassified graduate students are not eligible for financial aid Admission without a Bachelor's degree A student without a Bachelor's degree can petition the Department for admission. After review, the Department may recommend such admission to the Graduate Council, which makes the final decision International Students Admission General requirements International students will be granted admission only on a full graduate standing. Exceptions may be made for international students currently in the USA with a valid visa (e.g., spouses of graduate students). If an international student holds a degree for which the U.S. equivalent is not known or if the Department and/or International Student Services determine that the applicant does not have the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree, the Department can submit a petition for admission without a Bachelor's degree to the Graduate Council (see above) and provide any supporting documentation deemed pertinent English testing The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement may be waived (with permission of the University Dean) for international students who have a degree from an accredited American college or university and have studied oral and written English while at the American college or university. 7

8 A score of at least 520 on the paper based, 190 on the computer based and 68 on the internet based TOEFL is required for admission to the graduate program. A score of at least 560 on the paper based, 220 on the computer based and 83 on the internet based TOEFL is required for a University Graduate Scholarship (UGS). A score of at least 580 on the paper based, 237 on the computer based and 93 on the internet based TOEFL with a minimum of 58 paper, 23 in the computer and internet Section 1 (Listening Comprehension) is required for a graduate assistantship or a fellowship. This requirement is waived for students with a score of at least 520, 190 or 68 on the TOEFL, who have passed the University of Cincinnati Oral English Proficiency Test or have earned at least 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) (see below) or 230 if TSE was prior to July, 1995). 2.2 Application for Admission in Degree Programs There is no separate application form for financial aid. In order to request financial aid, check the box on the admissions application form. Applications should be submitted as early as possible Application to the MS, MS in Stats and Ph.D. program Applications should be completed by February 1 in order to be considered in the initial review, but will be accepted as long as there are positions available. Applications from international students not currently holding an appropriate visa for pursuing a degree may not be considered for fall admission if they are not complete by April 1. Except in unusual cases, students are admitted into the graduate program Fall Quarter. An application is considered complete when the following have been received: A completed application form and the additional information sheet. (These forms are available from the Department.) Official transcripts of the applicant's academic record at all colleges and universities attended, including evidence of degree(s) conferred, bearing the original signature of the authorized official and the seal of the institution (to be requested by the applicant and forwarded to the Department by the institution). Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant's academic qualifications and promise. Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (aptitude). The GRE Mathematics Test is recommended but not required. Results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. It is also recommended but not required that these applicants submit the results of the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and of the Test of Written English (TWE). (See Section below for minimum scores and waiver provisions.) An application fee of $ Entering students are not required to have chosen a research field. A statement of interest in some area of mathematics is an optional part of the application. Students are advised to schedule their GRE and TOEFL tests well in advance. (The last GRE examination where scores are reported by February - our initial review deadline - is in December, with registration in October.) Application to the MAT program Applications should be complete by April 15, but in case of vacancies, late applications may be considered. 8

9 An application for the MAT requires the same material as listed in above, with the exceptions: A copy of the secondary school teacher certification in mathematics is required, and the GRE General Test is not required Admission and financial aid decisions The Graduate Secretary receives application materials from prospective students and transmits the completed files to the Graduate Students Evaluation Committee (GSEC). Students with a good undergraduate major in mathematics or statistics or a Masters degree in these disciplines stand the best chance of being awarded financial aid. The GSEC considers the transcript, the letters of recommendations, the GRE, the TOEFL, and what is known of the programs of the various undergraduate or graduate institutions attended to evaluate the students' academic merit and their ability to perform their duties. The GSEC decides on admission and financial aid and nominates outstanding applicants for fellowships. The first review for the PhD and MS programs is held in February and the first awards are announced in March. Additional financial aid decisions are made when openings occur. Admissions decisions are made until the beginning of Fall Quarter. At subsequent reviews, the GSEC considers all applicants whose files are complete at that time. Students denied admission or financial aid may ask for reconsideration upon submission of additional supporting material. 2.3 After Admission Orientation and pre-registration procedures A Supplementary Information Form must be completed prior to registration by the following individuals: new students entering the University, students not enrolled the previous academic year, students who transfer from another college, and students who have earned their MS and are admitted to the Ph.D. program. All students must meet with their advisor prior to registration. Students are asked to register prior to the beginning of classes. There is a late charge for registration after classes begin. University regulations permit students to change their course schedule for a certain limited period after courses begin, but there is a late charge for all late registrations. Students are responsible for knowing all registration deadlines. All new graduate assistants are requested to take part in University orientations and departmental orientations before the start of Fall courses. The GPD will provide students with the schedule of these orientations before they arrive on campus. A physical examination is required of each newly admitted international student. A tuberculine Tine Test or chest X-ray is required within three months of registration Procedures for international students Visas The Department of Mathematical Sciences will provide needed documentation to International Student Services, which supplies information and documentation usually required for obtaining a United States Student Visa (F-1). Students must secure their own visa. Visas may take a long time to process. Students who do not secure visas on time and arrive late are often at a disadvantage in their studies and may jeopardize their admission and/or their financial support (see and ) Registration with International Student Services In compliance with U.S. Immigration Service requirements and in order to complete the admission process, international students must register upon their arrival with the International Student Services offices of the University of Cincinnati English courses and tests 9

10 Occasionally, an intensive English course is offered before the beginning of classes in the Fall quarter. If requested by the GPD, international graduate students whose native language is not English are required to attend this course. International students whose native language is not English and who receive financial awards from general University funds must take the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) offered by the University of Cincinnati at the beginning of their first quarter of study. Those who do not pass are not allowed to assume instructional responsibilities. They will be recommended for an English as a Second Language (ESL) course suited to their needs. The OEPT is given in September, December, March, and May, but students are allowed to take the OEPT only twice during an academic year. A score of 50 or better (230 on the old scale) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) will exempt a student from the OEPT. See also Section Other A mandatory orientation session for new international students will be scheduled about two weeks before the beginning of classes in the Fall quarter. All international students at the University of Cincinnati are required to carry student health insurance offered by the University. Their dependents (spouses and children) are also required to carry health insurance. Quarterly fees (reflecting the number of accompanying dependents) will be assessed each registration period. 2.4 Transfer of Credits There are both residency requirements and limitations on work completed at other institutions which can be counted to fulfill graduate degree requirements. These rules are detailed in the sections describing the different graduate programs in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Students may petition the Graduate Affairs Committee for permission to transfer graduate credits earned at other institutions. The petition will be judged according to the applicability of the courses in the student's program of study, when and where the courses were taken, and which grades were earned. Credits that counted toward a previous degree from another department or institution cannot be transferred to fulfill graduate degree requirements. Section 3 - Registration, Leaves, Graduate Credits, Grades, Review 3.1 Registration A graduate student must be matriculated into the graduate program in order to receive graduate credit. Unclassified students may be eligible to apply a maximum of 15 specific course credits toward their degree if they are later admitted into the graduate program (subject to the approval of the GPD.) Registration Procedures Students admitted into the graduate program register each quarter by registering online after consulting with their graduate advisor. Students should file a department Course Form, signed by their advisor, with the Graduate Secretary. University regulations do not allow students to attend classes until the registration process is complete. Students who arrive late should see their instructors as soon as possible so as not to fall too far behind. All students must obtain written schedule approval from their advisor or the GPD before registration Registration Changes (Add/Drop) Through the 16th day of the quarter, students can change registration (add courses, drop courses, change from credit to audit or vice-versa, and change from undergraduate to graduate credit or vice-versa) without instructor's signature, by using the official change of registration form ("Add/Drop Form"). These forms are available in the Department and College offices. After the 16th day through the 58th day of the quarter, students need their instructors' signatures on the Add/Drop Form to change registrations. Students should not make a registration change after the start of classes except for compelling reasons. For every registration change, students should also file with the Graduate Secretary a new departmental Course Form signed by their advisor. 10

11 3.2 Leaves There is no additional cost for registration changes as long as the student is registered for at least one class. A late fee is charged if the student is not registered at all by the first day of classes. For information on withdrawals, (see Section below) Withdrawals Withdrawals from courses are made using Add/Drop Forms or online. Withdrawal forms are considered processed only when they have been submitted and stamped by the Office of Registration. Students should keep the stamped student copy of the Add/Drop form until the withdrawal is posted on the official record. A student may drop a course by the 16th calendar day of the quarter with no academic penalty. After the 16th calendar day of the quarter through the 58th day of the quarter, withdrawals are accepted by the Office of Registration only with the signature of the class instructor. As there is no Departmental policy on withdrawals, students should ascertain what is the policy of their course instructor. After the third week of classes, instructors who allow a withdrawal must post a grade of W (withdrawal passing) or F on a withdrawal form. After the 58th day of the quarter, the Office of Registration will accept withdrawals only with the signature of the Dean or a representative of the Dean. The Dean will sign a withdrawal at this time only for the most serious reasons. Students may be withdrawn by the instructor at any time for excessive absences. The instructor must provide the student and the GPD with written reasons for his/her actions (within 24 hours of forwarding the withdrawal form to the Registrar.) Audit The audit option is intended for cases in which course work is desired or advised but for which a grade is deemed unnecessary by the student and the advisor or GPD. Admission and conditions for participation in audit courses are at the discretion of the instructor, who is not obligated to accept a student for audit. Audit credits do not count toward the 260 credit hour limit (as a condition of eligibility for financial aid) and cannot be used to satisfy any graduate degree course requirement, nor are they included in the determination of full graduate standing. Only one audit course per quarter can be charged to a University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) and then only if at least 12 other graduate credits are taken the same quarter (maximum number of credits, inclusive of audit credits, charged to a UGS is 18) Pass/Fail The purpose of Pass/Fail is to permit students to take courses for which only course credit is desired. Students are expected to do all the work performed by "graded" students but will earn only a P for passing or F for failing grade. Courses which may be taken for Pass/Fail are the Graduate Colloquium, Readings, Research, Individual Work, many Seminars, and courses outside the requirements of the graduate program (e.g., deficiency credits, extra-departmental electives). Courses taken Pass/Fail cannot be counted toward fulfilling the graduate degree course requirements for the Master and MAT programs, nor the breadth requirement for the Ph.D. Program Failure to Register Failure to register by the end of Late Registration of any quarter (the 16th calendar day of the quarter) without having prior written consent from the GPD is ground for dismissal from the graduate program for a new or a returning student Inappropriate Courses Class schedules for students in degree programs must have the approval of the advisor or the GPD. Approval is signified by the advisor's signature on the student's registration form. Wide latitude in course selection is allowed, however, students must make significant progress in their degree program. To continue in the graduate program, students should not take courses at an inappropriately low level, repeat courses completed at other universities, take courses at a rate inappropriate to their admission status and background, or take courses from other departments without the permission of their advisor Leave of Absence Students may request a leave of absence from the graduate program for medical, financial, or personal reasons. Such requests must be made in writing to the GPD. If the student has a dissertation advisor, the dissertation advisor must endorse the leave of absence. Upon return to the graduate program, the student's admission status will be the same as it was at the 11

12 beginning of the leave of absence. (See also Section ) Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships held at the beginning of the leave of absence cannot be guaranteed to be available upon return to the program Non-completion of Degree Unless a formal leave of absence is granted, students not in residence in the Department and/or not registered for courses must complete all degree requirements within 15 months of leaving. Students who fail to do so will be dropped from the Department's list of degreeseeking students. If dropped, students who wish to complete their degree at some later date must apply to the GPD for reinstatement. Upon revision of their application, the GPD may recommend such a reinstatement to the University Dean, with whom rests the final decision. If reinstatement is granted, it might entail fulfillment of additional requirements. 3.3 Graduate Credits Graduate Credits in 500 through 900 Level Courses Graduate credits can be earned only for those courses listed online with a 500 level and higher. The Department of Mathematical Sciences designates 500 level courses as courses for undergraduates and graduate students, 600 level courses as courses primarily for graduate students, level courses as advanced graduate courses, and 900 level courses as seminars, readings and research courses. Students are free to choose whatever courses they wish to apply toward their degree provided they conform to the specific distribution requirements for the degree and the courses are approved by their advisor Full Graduate Standing and Part-Time Course Load Students with full graduate standing, especially those assigned departmental duties, usually take three mathematics courses each quarter. If additional credit hours are necessary to meet the quarterly credit hour requirement, a student can register for the Graduate Colloquium and/or Readings. Part-time students should register for the number of courses recommended by their advisors. 3.4 Grades The Department of Mathematical Sciences uses the grading practices outlined in the University Graduate Handbook; the University of Cincinnati now uses the plus-minus grading system. The Grade A carries 4.0 quality points; A- is 3.67, B+ is 3.33, B is 3.0, B- is 2.67, C+ is 2.33, C is 2.0 and F (failure) carries 0.0 quality points with no credit awarded (grades C- and D are not applicable to Graduate classes); the grades "P", "I", "N" carry no quality points. 3.5 Student Review The Department reviews all graduate students in writing. The review covers academic progress and performance of duties. All students who have not been assigned a dissertation advisor are reviewed by the Graduate Advisors Committee. Students who have a dissertation advisor are reviewed by their advisor and the GPD. A copy of the review is given to the students by their advisors. Students have the right to put a response (letter of exception) in their file within one week of the receipt of the review. Section 4 - Financial Aid 4.1 Types of Financial Aid Graduate Assistantship Graduate Assistantships (GA) carry a stipend, tuition remission (UGS), and a waiver of the general fee for the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. There are three levels of stipend. Students eligible to assume direct instructional duties receive the regular stipend, which is $1000 more than the base stipend. Students who have advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. receive $800 more than the regular stipend, starting with the academic year following advancement to candidacy. Graduate assistants are expected to perform duties for the Department as detailed in Section below. The Proseminar in the Teaching of College Mathematics, 15-MATH-810, is required of all students who have a GA. 12

13 4.1.2 University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) A UGS provides a waiver of a percentage of the tuition for the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. A UGS covers up to a maximum of 18 credits per quarter. There are no duties attached to a UGS Fellowships The Department nominates advanced doctoral students of outstanding caliber for the competitive Charles Phelps Taft Fellowships. They include a stipend comparable to the regular GA and an accompanying UGS. There are no teaching duties attached to a Taft fellowship, nor is the fellow allowed to accept any supplemental employment within or outside the University during the duration of the fellowship. Minority students in the first year of their program can be nominated for fellowships and scholarships (tuition remissions) awarded by the Albert C. Yates Fellows and Scholars Program. There are also other fellowships to which students can be nominated by the Department. Research Assistantships are occasionally available for advanced students Summer support Continuing students with very good academic records are encouraged to apply for the competitive Summer Research Fellowships awarded by the University Research Council (URC). 4.2 Conditions of Financial Aid Award criteria Beginning students The Graduate Students Evaluation Committee (GSEC) decides on the award of financial aid to beginning students on the basis of their academic merit and the ability to perform their duties, as evidenced by the students' record Renewal of financial aid The GSEC decides on the award or renewal of GA s and UGS s to current students on the basis of academic progress according to the standards and requirements described in Section 5, 6 and 7. For GA s, satisfactory performance of duties is also considered. Renewal of financial aid is limited by the 260 credit hour rule (see below) and by limitations on the number of years of eligibility as specified in the degree program descriptions. In general, decisions for renewal of financial aid are made by April. Decisions are delayed if a student needs to satisfy certain conditions in order to stay in the Program (e.g., pass preliminary examinations, improve the GPA, improve performance of his/her duties, or some probationary condition). A decision of the GSEC not to renew the current level of financial aid to a student can be appealed to the Executive Committee following the same procedures as for appeals of dismissal described in Section Requirements for financial Aid Full time course load Students receiving financial aid from the University (Fellowship, GA, or UGS) must keep full graduate standing and register for a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for each supported quarter. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, graduate courses offered by other Departments, and Pass/Fail courses can be taken as part of the 12 graduate credit hours with the approval of the student's advisor provided the student has registered for at least two graduate mathematics courses. Audit credits and courses withdrawn do not count toward the 12 credit minimum The 260 credit hour rule Under ordinary circumstances, GA s, UGS s, and most fellowships cannot be awarded to students who have earned 260 or more graduate credit hours or will surpass 260 credits during any given quarter. All graduate credit hours earned at the University of Cincinnati count toward this rule except classes taken for audit, or hours withdrawn. In particular, ESL courses count toward these 260 credit hours. 13

14 Students with a Master's degree in any discipline from another institution begin at the University of Cincinnati with 51 graduate credit hours. Therefore, their credit hour limit is Residency requirement Graduate students receiving financial aid are expected to be in residence for the duration of each academic quarter, unless they have prior written consent from the GPD. Failure to comply with this rule is cause for termination of financial support. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and other very special circumstances. Graduate assistants who start their duties after the beginning of the quarter or leave before the end of the quarter will have their stipend reduced proportionally, unless previous arrangements have been made to the satisfaction of the GPD. These rules also apply to late-arriving new graduate students Additional employment Graduate assistants can, with the approval of the GPD, be appointed/employed over and above their assistantships, subject to the following limitations: The additional appointment should not exceed teaching one course per quarter or equivalent FTE% for non-instructional assignments. The GPD will closely monitor the academic progress of students holding such an additional appointment. Should academic progress slow, the additional appointment should be terminated; International students are subject to rules of the U.S. Immigration Service and should consult the International Student Services before accepting additional employment. Students receiving a fellowship should abide by the specific rules of their fellowship regarding additional employment Graduate Assistant duties Nearly all GA duties are instructional. Typically, a GA holds 4 office hours, problem sessions and grades for two courses, for an average of 15 hours a week. International GA s who have not yet passed UC s Oral English Proficiency Test are generally given grading duties. Advanced GA s are sometimes given full responsibility for a class. GA s are expected to perform their duties to the best of their capabilities and according to acceptable procedures, with punctuality, reliability, and a spirit of helpfulness to fellow teachers and students. GA s should show responsibility toward their assignment. If for a compelling reason they cannot meet some obligations, they should minimize the disruption to others by finding substitutes, informing the Department in a timely manner, and taking whatever other initiatives are appropriate for the situation. 4.3 English Proficiency Testing University of Cincinnati Oral English Proficiency Testing (OEPT) As mentioned in the third statement of 2.3.2, all international GA s from the University of Cincinnati must either pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a score of at least 50 (formerly 230). or pass the University s own OEPT before they are allowed to have any direct instructional contact with students, i.e., teach, assist in a class, hold office hours, tutor, etc. International GA's receive the base stipend unless they have passed the OEPT before classes begin in September. International GA s who have not satisfied this requirement by the end of March of the second year of residency will have their graduate assistantship reduced to three-fourths of the Master s student base salary. This reduction will remain in effect until the English requirement is satisfied at which time the student will receive the base salary plus $1000 at the start of the next academic year. International students with UGS support are not considered for upgrade to GA until after they have passed the OEPT. 14

15 Section 5 - Master of Sciences (MS) Degree Program 5.1 General Description The Master of Science (MS) degree program can be tailored to match the interests and needs of individual students. Each student in the program is assigned a graduate advisor. In consultation with this advisor, the student selects a program of courses designed to provide basic training in mathematics at the graduate level and in-depth study in areas of special interest. Students intending to seek employment in business, government or industry will generally concentrate on applied mathematics, or numerical analysis courses. Students interested in the Ph.D. degree will generally broaden their training in pure or applied mathematics. The MS degree typically requires two academic years. 5.2 Requirements A minimum of the equivalent of one year of full-time graduate study A minimum of 45 graduate credits of which at least half must be completed while in residence at the University of Cincinnati. All credits must be approved by an advisor and are chosen from graduate mathematics courses or approved computer science courses viz., Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3 quarters) and Automata and Formal Languages (2 quarters). The Graduate Colloquium, Research, Statistical Consulting, and the Proseminar in the Teaching of College Mathematics credits cannot be applied toward the degree. At most, 6 credits of Readings or Individual work can be applied toward the degree and then only upon written recommendation of both the supervisor of the readings and the GPD. No credits can be transferred which were used toward a previous degree. A student can write a Master's thesis on a topic chosen in consultation with the student's advisor in lieu of 6 credits of formal course work or of readings. An expository thesis is acceptable for the MS. The thesis must be of sufficient quality to earn the grade of B for the 6 credits of thesis Two three-quarter graduate level sequences in mathematics, at least one of which is selected from the following list: Numerical Analysis, Advanced Theory of Statistics, Algebraic Structures, Complex Analysis, Dynamical Systems, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Probability Theory, Real Analysis, and Topology. The GPA computed over these two sequences must be 3.0 or higher The GPA computed over all courses applied toward the degree must be 3.0 or higher Successful completion of a comprehensive oral examination, (see Section below) or passing one written Ph.D. preliminary examination, (see Section ), or the defense of a thesis (see below). This requirement must be fulfilled prior to the deadline for certification for the degree in the quarter in which the degree is to be granted Knowledge of advanced calculus or linear algebra is expected of all students who earn an MS degree. Questions on advanced calculus or linear algebra may be asked on the oral examination (see section ) 5.3 Candidacy, Time Limitations, Oral Examination, Thesis, Graduation Candidacy A student becomes a candidate for the Master's degree upon matriculation in the Master's program: there is no need to submit formal applications for Master's candidacy Time Limitations The minimum time requirement for a MS is the equivalent of one academic year of full-time graduate study consisting of 45 graduate credits. A MS student must complete all requirements no later than 7 years after first registering in the MS program. A student who leaves the Department without a formal leave of absence must complete all requirements for the MS within 15 months of leaving (see Section ) A MS student will receive financial aid for a maximum of two years. 15

16 5.3.3 Comprehensive Oral Examination The examination committee consists of three faculty members chosen from those who taught courses taken by the examinee, in particular the advanced sequence mentioned in Section 5.2.3, and at least one of the faculty members must belong to the all-university Graduate Faculty. The examination will consist of questions on the subject of the courses taken by the examinee from the examiners and on advanced calculus or linear algebra Thesis The thesis is presented in the same form as the Ph. D. dissertation (see the University Graduate Handbook). A formal thesis defense is optional. A formal thesis defense can be held in lieu of an oral examination Graduation When all work for the MS has been completed or is about to be completed, prospective graduates are required to complete an online application from the Division of Research and Advanced Studies. This application can be found at: The head of the Comprehensive Oral Examination Committee and/or the thesis advisor will sign the form testifying that the student has passed the examination and/or completed the thesis requirement. The GPD will check that all other requirements have also been satisfied and will endorse the proper form. 5.4 Minimum Academic Performance Substandard Performance Substandard performance includes: having a GPA lower than 3.0 in graduate courses in mathematics; taking inappropriate courses; and taking a mathematics course load that is inappropriately light for full graduate status Probation, Non-Renewal of Financial Aid, Dismissal The rules and procedures described in Section 9 apply. Section 6 Master of Sciences (MS) in Statistics 6.1 General Description The Master of Science (MS) in Statistics degree program is intended to prepare students for entry level employment as statisticians in industry or government, as well to prepare students for entry into Ph.D. programs in Statistics. Each student in the program is assigned a graduate advisor. In consultation with this advisor, the student selects a program of study. Students interested in the Ph.D. degree should consult the requirement for a Ph.D. when selecting their program of study. The MS degree typically requires two academic years. 6.2 Requirements A minimum of the equivalent of one year of full-time graduate study A minimum of 45 graduate credits of which at least half must be completed while residence at the University of Cincinnati. All credits must be approved by an advisor and are chosen from graduate courses offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The Graduate Colloquium, Research, and the Proseminar in the Teaching of College Mathematics credits cannot be applied toward the degree. 16

17 At most, 6 credits of Readings or Individual Work can be applied toward the degree and them only upon written recommendation of supervisor and the advisor. In lieu of 6 credits of Readings or Individual Work, credit for other statistics courses taken at UC can be applied towards the degree if approval is obtained in writing by the advisor prior to enrolling in such course. No credits can be transferred which were used toward a previous degree. A student can write a Master s Thesis on a topic chosen in consultation with the student s advisor in lieu of 6 credits of formal work or of readings. An expository thesis is acceptable for the MS degree. The thesis must be of sufficient quality to earn the grade of B for the 6 credits of thesis Completion of: Mathematical Statistics (521,522,523), Appl Stat (531), Appl Regression (532), Anal of Var (533), Linear Models and Multivariate Statistics (613,614,615). The GPA computed over these three sequences must be a 3.0 or higher Completion of 3 additional statistics courses selected from: SAS Programming (534), Time Series (571), Survival Analysis (572), Applied Bayesian Analysis (573), Nonparametric Statistics (574), Robust Statistics (575) or Topics in Applied Statistics (576) Successful completion of the written Statistics Qualifying Examination. The first written qualifying examination will be given at the end of the first year and will cover the material in: Mathematical Statistics (521, 522, 523); Applied Statistical Inference (531); Applied Regression Analysis (532); and Analysis of Variance (533) Successful completion of a comprehensive oral examination, (see Section above) or passing one written Ph.D. preliminary examination, (see Section 8.2.5) or the defense of a thesis (see below) Knowledge of linear algebra is expected of all students who earn an MS degree in Statistics. 6.3 Candidacy, Time limitations, Oral Examination, Thesis, Graduation Candidacy: A student becomes a candidate for the Master s degree upon matriculation in the Master s program; there is no need to submit formal applications for Master s candidacy Time Limitations. The minimum time requirement for a MS degree is the equivalent of one academic year of fulltime graduate study of 48 graduate credits. A MS student must complete all requirements no later than 7 years after first registering in the MS program. A student who leaves the Department without a formal leave of absence must complete all requirements for the MS within 15 months of leaving (see Section 3.3.2). A MS student will receive financial aid for a maximum of two years Comprehensive Oral Examination. The examination committee consists of three faculty members chosen from those who taught courses taken by the examinee, in particular the advanced sequence mentioned in Section and at least one of the faculty members must belong to the all-university Graduate Faculty. The examination will consist of questions on the subject of the courses taken by the examinee from the examiners Thesis The thesis is presented in the same form as the Ph.D dissertation (see University Graduate Handbook). A formal thesis defense is optional. A formal thesis defense can be held in lieu of an oral examination. 17